The Josh's M416 Trailer Build

[TheJosh]

i wanted to reach out and see what you guys think of these stabilizer jackes. my frame sits at 30 off the ground and ive ben trying to find a good solution and i think these would be perfect. once i set up can i can just whip them out and put them in the rear of the trailer the stabilze. i wanted a clean solution and not some bulky jacks hanging out on the sides

http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Jack/Ultra-Fab-Products/UF19-960003.html

 

[balu4k]

Prepping the trailer for sandblasting Monday, stripped it down to the frame

TheJosh, Any tips on separating the tub from the frame. i got my 416 today and planning to stip it down over the weekend.

thanks

 

[TheJosh]

TheJosh, Any tips on separating the tub from the frame. i got my 416 today and planning to stip it down over the weekend.

thanks

Yeah its actually quite easy, first I would saturate all the bolts with PB blaster and let it sit overnight.

Now if you have air tools that will help out a ton to remove the rusted nuts off, the only part that I found was difficult was the special zerk bolts that hold the springs in. I stripped 2 or then and they were a major pain!

Sent from my Nexus 4

 

[TheJosh]

So I have a pretty big update that will help out alot of people with these old beat up m416 tubs, now I know most of you have tried to straighten the tub sides out by using angle iron but all that is really accomplishing is Covering over the bent side.

So my solution is first go to harbor freight and purchase 2 of the largest "F" style aluminum bar clamp (roughly 48" wide) they cost about $14.99 each. Then put then stretched side to side and crank them down to straighten the sides. Then use a MAP torch and slowly heat up the whole side of the side (1 side at a time) starting from the center out. Once you get the whole rail piping hot just let it sit and naturally cool down (4 hours at least) and presto a straight side!!!!

Worked great for me, I just did one side tonight and when I released the clamp it was straight as a arrow. So I'll give the other side the same treatment tomorrow

Sent from my Nexus 4

 

[balu4k]

Yeah its actually quite easy, first I would saturate all the bolts with PB blaster and let it sit overnight.

Now if you have air tools that will help out a ton to remove the rusted nuts off, the only part that I found was difficult was the special zerk bolts that hold the springs in. I stripped 2 or then and they were a major pain!

where are the bolts located. looks like mine all welded ?
few pics i took when i got it home this evening..

 

[TheJosh]

Ahhh it appears you have a bantam trailer not a 416. The bantam tubs are not removable as far as I know. The 416 can be completely disassembled.

So in that case youll probably just have yo flip the whole upside down to work on the bottom.

Sent from my Nexus 4

 

[TheJosh]

Cool trailer by the way!

How Much did you pick it up for?

Sent from my Nexus 4

 

[balu4k]

Ahhh it appears you have a bantam trailer not a 416. The bantam tubs are not removable as far as I know. The 416 can be completely disassembled.

So in that case youll probably just have yo flip the whole upside down to work on the bottom.

Sent from my Nexus 4

Oh ok.thank you.

 

[balu4k]

Cool trailer by the way!

How Much did you pick it up for?

Sent from my Nexus 4

$350 came with original title dated 1977 and tabbed till this august.

 

[TheJosh]

Update

 

[Mark Harley]

Wow, Josh That work looks Awesome!

Total transformation......Can't wait to see it painted.

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Looking good!

 

[TheJosh]

Thank you guys!

I still have a bit to go until its all done but I'm hoping to be done near the first of the month to send the trailer off to the body shop.

I wanted to pit the lid on to see how it lines up with the c channel I made for the top lip. It took awhile to straighten out the top lip but I was able to get it really straight. And the c channel turned out excellent to clean up the top edge.

I then drilled holes every 6 inches to put in a spot weld to hold the lip to the old tub. I think I'll also put in some welds every 6 inches or so on the inside to further secure the top lip.

I also finished up the rear tailgate opening and I think I have it gussetted pretty well but I'm wondering if maybe I should add a inside gusset to resist a widening when the top is opening. I'm going to put some more thought into it. Its really rigid as it is now and the opening for the tailgate is perfectly square with exact measurements all the way around.

Here is a few pics

 

[balu4k]

I ordered my new suspension parts from summit and they should be arriving in Tuesday. I started bolting the trailer back together using new grade 8 hardware. Wanted to check for ride heights and axle measurements so I chocked the wheels up. Ill finish all my measuring tomorrow and place my axle order on Monday

Hey, do you have the part numbers for the spring and hangers that you are using ? Thanks

 

[TheJosh]

Hey, do you have the part numbers for the spring and hangers that you are using ? Thanks

I will have to look but its actually easy to find. I just bought lift springs for a cj3 jeep front suspension. Its identical to those trucks